Creative Tourism

A New Generation of Tourism:
Creative Tourism

A “new generation of tourism” (so designated by UNESCO) is growing significantly throughout the world and seeks to actively participate in the culture, traditions and way of life of residents, in interaction with the people and the unique character of the tourist destination. In Creative Tourism experiences, visitors are invited to actively participate in unique experiences provided by a network of locals that includes artisans, artists and creatives. Here, visitors are not mere spectators, but active protagonists, where every experience is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

Discover the Creative Tourism programs available and take unique experiences with you!

Upcoming Creative Experiences

● October 17

Manual Weaving

TearingTextiles
The weaver Susana Mendez, resident at the Textile Workshop, proposes to teach her art of working wool threads on the handloom by adding natural materials. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to create a small weaving project using natural fibers and dried flowers.
● October 31

From the Market to the Kitchen: Flavors of the Mountain

Cooking
The experience begins at the emblematic Loulé Market with the choice of fresh products from local producers, serving as a basis to celebrate traditional gastronomy and the Mediterranean Diet. Then, participants gather in the kitchen to learn techniques and prepare, step by step, a menu consisting of mountain salad tiborna, Loulé cherry chicken and carob pie, in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing and discovery. The program ends at the table, where everyone shares and tastes the meal prepared together.
● October 31

“Ajudada”: Olive Harvest

Inspired by the ancient tradition of the ajudadas, in which mutual help and conviviality united the community in the work of the field, this initiative proposes a practical day dedicated to harvesting olives for olive oil and learning the traditional techniques of crushing, shredding and preserving olives.
See all

Creative Tourism Network

The mission of the Loulé Creative Network is to promote a diverse and regular program of creative tourism, ensuring the quality and authenticity of experiences that invite visitors to interact with the local culture.

It aims to stimulate the emergence of new activities and entrepreneurs that incorporate the tourism economic chain, which contribute to maintaining and innovating traditions, celebrating identity and creating an ecosystem favorable to creativity.

The concept of Creative Tourism emerged in 2000, in the research work of Greg Richards and Crispin Raymond, who defined it as:

“Tourism which offers visitors the opportunity to develop their creative potential through active participation in learning experiences which are characteristic of the holiday destination where they are undertaken”

The Municipality of Loulé is proud to be the first in Portugal to join the Creative Tourism Network.